Geo-Thermal Energy: Welding and Cutting

Many geothermal systems will be built with metal pipe at some part of the system. This will be the same as any pipe fitting/welding project. Welding and cutting metals can be very dangerous. Workers can be burned by the hot metals and may be exposed to ultraviolet light from arc welding. Workers must be protected from these welding hazards. See OSHA's Construction and General Industry standards and Safety and Health Topics Page on welding and cutting.

If the system has stainless steel pipe, a worker may be exposed to hexavalent chromium hazards. See OSHA's Hexavalent Chromium standard for OSHA requirements and Hexavalent Chromium Safety and Health Topics Page for additional information.